The 9th Handle Climate Change Film Festival honored exemplary films on climate change during COP29, with winners from China, the U.S., Germany, and Italy. The festival underscored the transformative power of cinematic storytelling in promoting climate awareness and mobilizing action, as various leaders highlighted its impact on public engagement and support for sustainable initiatives.
The 9th Handle Climate Change Film Festival (HCCFF) Awards Ceremony occurred during COP29, showcasing a total of 862 entries from 95 nations. The prestigious gold award was presented to “Urban Wild Residents” from China, with silver awards going to the U.S. projects “Climate Emergency: Feedback Loops” and Thailand’s “Pad Thai.” Bronze winners included China’s “Carbon Dioxide and Its Carbon Family,” Germany’s “Beni Youth,” and Italy’s “Alptrees.” Chen Suping, founder of the HCCFF, highlighted the festival’s decade-long journey, thanking various stakeholders for their support, and noting engagement from over 130 regions.
Liu Zhenmin, China’s Special Climate Envoy, praised the HCCFF for providing a platform for visualizing climate change, emphasizing the impact of film on public awareness. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commended the committee for organizing a significant communication event for climate films. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, reinforced the critical role of storytelling in eliciting public response to the climate crisis.
Karina Larsen of UN Climate Change articulated that climate action transcends scientific discourse, necessitating personal engagement through shared narratives. Eric Solheim, who could not attend, noted via video that film is pivotal in climate communication. Samuel Rubin spoke on the potential for enhanced collaboration between the HCCFF and the entertainment industry.
Following speeches, Liu Jianzhong introduced the selection process for this year’s festival. The HCCFF also launched the ESG Film and Media Initiative, involving numerous climate organizations aiming for progressive development in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Yan Shidong released “Up Stream,” China’s first film focusing on environmental law enforcement.
To mitigate carbon emissions from the festival, Henan BCCY Environmental Energy donated CERs, with Dr. Rajendra Shende reading a voluntary cancellation certificate.
Additionally, the ceremony announced the HCCFF 2025 Global Call for Entries targeting youth engagement through mentorship programs. The HCCFF has accumulated over 12,636 films since its inception in 2015, with around 300 screenings reaching over 300,000 viewers across various communities, promoting awareness and action towards climate change.
The Handle Climate Change Film Festival (HCCFF) was established to promote awareness of climate change through cinematic expression, engaging audiences globally. By showcasing films that tackle environmental themes, the HCCFF provides a unique forum for discussion, creativity, and public engagement, aligning with global climate initiatives and the United Nations’ sustainability goals. The festival gathers diverse contributions from filmmakers worldwide, encouraging dialogue and innovation in climate communication.
The 9th Handle Climate Change Film Festival successfully highlighted innovative films related to climate change while fostering international collaboration. The awards not only recognize exceptional storytelling but also serve as a catalyst for greater awareness and action against the climate crisis, inspiring individuals and communities worldwide to participate in sustainability efforts. With continued support from global leaders and organizations, the HCCFF is poised to play a crucial role in empowering future generations to tackle environmental challenges.
Original Source: www.openpr.com
